The value of positioning and precision technology in agriculture has been well-documented, delivering far-reaching benefits that range from more accurate seed and input placement to reduced operator stress. But what if your precision ag solution could be elevated to further simplify workflows and enhance efficiency?
Connectivity – or the ability to connect a device to the internet via WiFi or cellular signal – is one of the primary ways growers can enhance their foundational guidance and steering solution to one that has the ability to seamlessly share farm information across devices and between team members.
With connected technology, farmers have the ability to experience the advanced benefits such as:
Increase in-field work time and reduce operator error by sending resources directly to displays in the field
Save time every day with automatic collection and cloud upload of as-applied data for record keeping and agronomic analysis
Ease the burden of compliance requirements with auto-generated reports and direct data sending capabilities
Minimize operator error, streamline operations
Getting operators the resources they need before they get to the field and throughout their day improves fieldwork quality and outcomes, while also reducing the chance and cost of operator errors.
Here are just a few ways you leverage connectivity to minimize downtime and keep your operators on-task:
Manage and sync resources – including field boundaries, guidance lines, landmarks, prescriptions and crop zones – for field work from anywhere.
Eliminate the need to manually move data with USB drives.
Deliver the exact resources needed to perform the desired activity to the vehicle without impacting (or syncing to) other displays and operators running in the field.
Keep in-cab displays up-to-date so team members can access the latest firmware features.
Access on-demand status information, and keep up with data collection and reporting tasks with enhanced equipment activity reports.
Ease the burden of compliance requirements with auto-generated reports and direct data sending capabilities.
Save time with automatic collection and cloud upload of as-applied data for record keeping and agronomic analysis
When data is more seamlessly shared across the farm, operators can focus on what they do best – getting the job done.
Considering rural internet challenges
There’s no question that rural internet is still a challenge in many places. That doesn’t mean that connectivity isn’t an option, though. If you have a hard time getting online from the field, here are a few potential options:
Your display has the ability to store data locally/offline until it runs out of storage space. Instead of automatically syncing throughout the day, create a process where operators sync at the end of the day when they can connect to internet back at the shop or house.
Use a combination of hotspot (cellular) and WiFi (modem) connection when needed. That way you can choose the connectivity method that is strongest where you are working.
Evaluate internet providers regularly and consider new options as they enter your market. Choose a service that you trust and that offers the best connection for the area you work in most often.
Build your connected solution
While older technology may have some level of data-sharing functionality, now may be the time to start thinking about your long-term data needs and your current system’s ability to manage that.
For example, if you are in a high-compliance location or retain a lot of data for nutrient management records, you may run the risk of filling a lot of hard drive space and/or needing to manually move data (where you risk losing information and having to recreate it).
With connected technology features like PTx Trimble’s AutoSync™ and Direct Send, however, you can wirelessly transfer display data to the cloud. This saves you the time required to move data around on USB drives and provides backup storage so you don’t bog down your device’s hard drive.
As a starting point, consider this connectivity solution from PTx Trimble:
A WiFi-ready display, such as the PTx Trimble GFX-1060 or GFX-1260, with Display Connection license
A modem* (including a data plan) like the PTx Trimble LX40 or a hotspot
A PTx Trimble Ag Software–Data license (now included for the first year with new GFX display purchases)
*Already have a modem for your correction service? You can use the same device to add connectivity for your display (it does not have to be a Trimble modem).
To learn more about how you can get started with connectivity or take your current precision system to the next level, contact your local PTx Trimble reseller.
